In the last dozen or so years, stainless steel has become the go-to material for kitchen appliances, sinks, and finishes. That’s for good reason. If you are considering using this versatile material for your kitchen sink, you should know a few things before you go shopping. Here are four things you need to know before buying stainless steel kitchen sinks.
1. Gauge
Like other items made from metal, stainless steel sinks receive a gauge rating. Gauge refers to the thickness of the sink, with lower gauges being thicker. For a strong option, look for a 16-gauge sink.
2. Installation
When it comes to installing your stainless steel sink, you will have three options. Remember, though, some styles of sinks will require a particular type of installation. For most stainless steel kitchen sinks, under-mounting is the standard. If you have laminate countertop, though, you might consider a top-mounted sink. Finally, if you want a traditional look with a modern material, you might consider a farmhouse-style sink. With this mounting option, you leave the front of the sink exposed.
3. Undercoating
Once you have chosen your sink, you might consider having it undercoated. With a noise-deadening spray coat, your sink will feel and sound sturdier. If you skip this process, your sink will work perfectly fine, it might just sound like a tin can when you run water into it.
4. Maintenance
Stainless steel is a fairly low-maintenance material. Regular cleaning will keep your sink looking great. With that in mind, you might notice some water spotting in your sink. If you wipe out the basin after use, you can avoid it. Similarly, if you routinely use stainless steel polish on your kitchen sink, it will look great for years.
For those who want a great look, stainless steel kitchen sinks are a beautiful basin for any kitchen. Keep in mind four things when shopping for yours.
